... For those who want a less detailed. fast-track 5 steps, FAIRLY SIMPLE Mattress Tutorial...
Select your tutorial version...
MATTRESS SHOPPING TUTORIAL ~ Overwiew
Comprehensive/Complete tutorial Comprehensive/Condensed tutorial Concise/Summary tutorial
Comprehensive/Condensed ~ Tutorial
This is a fairly simple, 5 step fast-track, mattress shipping tutorial for those who want a less detailed version.
The key to choosing the "best possible" mattress for any one person is finding several knowledgeable manufacturer/ retailer sources who are knowledgeable and transparent, sell the types of mattresses you want, and provide the information you need to know to make an informed choice. Using a reputable source as a guide, whether it be a local or online manufacturer/ retailer, you are ready to begin the mattress comparison process using these steps:
- Learn the Basics. Spend an hour or two gathering basic information about mattresses and materials and do some preliminary reading of the information and corresponding links. Read carefully as you would a good book rather than "study" as you would a textbook for a course.
- Make a Plan. Create a mattress budget range and decide what mattress materials and type you want to test. Learn what things are most important to look for in a mattress and what things to avoid using TMU's mattress durability guidelines.
- Find a Source. With your new-found basic knowledge, identify the most knowledgeable and experienced manufacturers/ retailers located within a reasonable driving distance and choose those who can help "educate" and "inform" you about their mattresses. They should be willing to provide you with the information you need about the construction and fabrication of their products rather than "selling" you whatever they can convince you to buy. The "best" manufacturers/ retailers will be completely transparent about what is inside their mattresses and will help you understand what you need to learn. Making the choice of who you deal with can be one of the most important parts of a successful purchase. You are always welcome to ask for help on our Mattress Forum in choosing better options for your area.
- Do some Local Mattress Testing. From your manufacturer/ retailer source list, make site visits and test the mattresses you are considering using these mattress testing guidelines (info Buble 6) to choose which types of mattresses and materials that you prefer, narrowing the list down to one choice at each manufacturer/ retailer based on which one is the best match for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences). Only you can feel what you feel on a mattress; people with different body types, sleeping positions, or preferences can make very different mattress comfort choices from each other. Caution should be used regarding consumer review sources as reliable guidance for understanding how a mattress feels or another person's experience on a mattress. Each person is unique; what is "way too firm" for one person may be "way too soft" for the other. The most important parts of the "value" of a mattress purchase article can help with more meaningful comparisons of mattresses.
- Choose Your Mattress. By now, you should be ready to make the final choice between mattresses from your research, confident that all are a good match for you in terms of PPP, have no weak links in their materials or design, and all are choices between "good and good" that should work well for you. Optional Step: Buy Online. If you are comfortable shopping online, consider a Bed-in-a-Box option. Talk with any of the online manufacturers/retailers who sell the type mattresses you have successfully tested, and include them in your source list as a possible option or "value reference point" for a local purchase. You can read more about the different ways to choose a mattress (locally or online) to help you identify and minimize risks involved with each of them.
We hope this tutorial will guide you successfully through your mattress shopping journey while avoiding the pitfalls of misleading information, confusion, and frustration. Following these steps should connect you with people who will put your long-term interests above their own. Of course, we welcome your questions on the forum anytime; we are here to help you find better rest and better sleep. Taking one step at a time, (yes, ALL of them), ensures your best chance of finding "your perfect mattress".
